Williamsburg Notebook: Dispose Chemicals Today, Donate Blood and Planning Commission Preview

By Amber Lester Kennedy Saturday, June 11, 2011

Williamsburg residents will have a chance to dump some household chemicals and electronics today, and donate blood on June 16. The Planning Commission will again discuss zoning regulations for rented rooms in single-family homes. Finally, congratulations to Aberdeen Barn, winner of the 2011 Business Appreciation Award. Read on for details.

Dispose of Household Chemicals and Electronics

Williamsburg residents are invited to participate in the Household Chemical Collection from 8 a.m. to noon today at Lafayette High School.

Acceptable materials include household maintenance products, computer equipment, electronic devices, rechargeable batteries and fluorescent and CFL light bulbs. Unacceptable materials include televisions, business or medical waste, compressed gas cylinders, explosives, ammunition or gun powder, shock sensitive materials, radioactive products or household trash.

The next collection will be Aug. 13. For more information, click here. If you miss the scheduled dates, click here for other locations.

Planning Commission Meets Wednesday

The Planning Commission will meet at 3:30 p.m. on June 15 at the Stryker Building.

The agenda includes continued discussion of the amendment of zoning regulations pertaining to retnal of bedrooms in owner-occupied single-family homes. The commission will consider two proposed alternatives: no change to the regulations or allow rental of one bedroom to one roomer by right, rental of bedrooms to two roomers with administrative approval and rental of bedrooms to three or four roomers with special exception approval by the Board of Zoning Appeals. If the commission chooses to pursue the second option, it will be scheduled for public hearing at the July 20 meeting.

The commission will also host a public hearing on the amendment of the site plan section of the zoning ordinance to revise provisions relating to Chesapeake Bay preservation for minor site plan submittal requirements and information required on regular site plans. The changes will require that site plans note that permissible development in the Resource Protection Area is limited to water dependent facilities, redevelopment or other uses allowed by zoning ordinance.

CW, Mayor Team for Blood Drive

Colonial Williamsburg and the city of Williamsburg are teaming up to sponsor a Red Cross Mayor’s Cup Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Community Center at 401 N. Boundary Street.

Participating cities in the Hampton Roads area must host at least one blood drive in June. The winner of the Mayor’s Cup will be the city with the largest percent of participation.

Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in general good health may be eligible to donate blood. Prior to donating it is important to drink plenty of juice, water or other non-caffeinated fluids; eat foods low in fat and high in iron (green leafy vegetables, nuts, whole wheat bread and lean meats); and get a good night’s rest. Avoid strenuous exercise before and after donating.

Donating blood takes approximately one hour and consists of four steps: registration, confidential health history, actual donation of blood and refreshments. Colonial Williamsburg blood drives are coordinated by the Hospitality and Courtesy Committee in collaboration with the American Red Cross.

Aberdeen Barn Wins Williamsburg’s 2011 Business Appreciation Award

EDA's Tonya Boone and Mayor Clyde Haulman, far right, presented the Business Appreciation Award to Dennis White of Aberdeen Barn.

The award recognizes a city business for its work and dedication to making Williamsburg a better place to live, work and visit. Owner Dennis White received the award from Mayor Clyde Haulman and the EDA’s Tonya Boone at the June 9 City Council meeting.

White attributed his success to his parents, who bought the business more than 40 years ago. White, 53, has worked at the restaurant since he turned 15. Haulman said that the Aberdeen Barn has distinguished itself by its fine dining, excellent customer service, commitment to environmental sustainability and generosity to local community organizations.

Quarterpath Pool Open for Summer

The Quarterpath Pool opened for the summer last week. The 25-meter, six-lane, z-shaped outdoor swimming pool is open to the public with no residency restrictions from now until Sept. 5.

The pool is open from 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. It will be open on July 4 and Labor Day. Fees are $3 per child ages 17 and younger, $4 for adults. Pool memberships cost $120 for a family, $48 for an adult and $30 for youth. For more information, click here.